Tips for travelling with your medications

Could your prescription drugs, over-the-counter
treatments or supplements land you in trouble abroad? Here's what you
should know about travelling with medications.

You’ve had your
immunizations and purchased your travel insurance. All you need to do is
throw your pills in your bag and you’re ready to go, right?

Not so fast… Did you know you can be detained for attempting to bring
certain over-the-counter medications into Japan? Or that some readily
available medications in Canada require a prescription elsewhere? Are
you risking access to essential prescription meds if your luggage goes
missing?

It can be tricky travelling with prescription medications,
over-the-counter treatments and supplements — but the last thing you
want to do is endanger your health or risk arrest. We’ve got some tips
to help.

Do your research. Is the medication or supplement
legal to bring into the country? How much can you legally import? Do
you need a prescription or a permit? Most of the time, you shouldn’t
face problems with commonly used medications. Contact your country’s
embassy or consulate at your destinations well before your trip to find
out the requirements. (You can find their phone numbers and email
address online.)

Don’t forget to include any countries through which you are
travelling, even if you aren’t leaving the airport. There have been
cases where travellers have had problems making connecting flights.

Talk to your doctor about your dosage. If you take
medication at certain times of day, travelling across time zones can
throw off your schedule. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan to
compensate.

Carry a copy of the original prescription with you.
Experts warn you should expect scrutiny at security check points and
border crossings. The copy of your prescription should include your full
name, address, reason for use, dosage and both the brand name and
generic name. You may be asked to show this copy to officials, and it
may come in handy if you lose your medications.

Get the details in writing. A copy of your
prescription may not be enough in some strict countries. Experts also
recommend carrying a doctor’s note explaining why you need the
medication — especially if you’re travelling with controlled substances
like narcotic pain medications or with medical devices.

You’ll also want to carry a list of all the medications you are
bringing — just in case you need to replace them. If you’re carrying
emergency medications, you should also include instructions on how you
should be treated in a crisis.

Keep everything in its original container. Are you
carrying medication in a daily dose container or doubled up in one
bottle to save space? Beware that these strategies are red flags for
security officials. Be sure to keep everything in its clearly labelled,
original packaging — even supplements.

Bring extra. You never know if you’ll be delayed and
if your medication will be available at your destination. Medications
with the same or similar sounding names can contain different
ingredients and may not be as effective or safe. Experts recommend
packing at least a few days worth of medication, just in case.

However, don’t try to take too much — countries have import limits
too. In many cases, you can bring a month’s supply without needing a
special permit. (Your embassy can advise you.)

Pack essentials in your carry on bag. Checked
luggage can be lost or stolen — and you don’t want your medications to
meet the same fate. Experts say to keep your supply with you and pack a
back-up in your checked baggage if you feel it’s necessary.

Look into security regulations. Want to fly with a
tube of cream, gel or liquids that exceed the 100 mL (3.4 oz) rule?
Don’t worry — “medically necessary” liquids, gels and aerosols are
exceptions. Be sure to pack them separately and declare them at security
check points. Your bags may require additional screening, and don’t
forget your documentation!

What about syringes and biojectors? They’re permitted in carry on
bags provided the safety guards are on, you have the medication with
you, everything is properly labelled and you have the proper
documentation. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has a full list of What to Pack (see the Medical section.)

Request special screening. If you’re worried about
your medications and devices going through an x-ray machine, you can
request a visual screening at some airports. Be sure to ask before the
screening process starts, and be ready to unpack, handle and repack your
items. (About.com explains the process in How to Take Medication through Airport Security.)

Inform your airline. You can travel with medical
equipment such as medical oxygen or battery-powered equipment. It’s the
traveller’s responsibility to let the airline know at least 48-72 hours
in advance, depending on the destination.

Take note that you’ll need to arrive at the airport extra early, and
you may be required to have a companion with you if you can’t manage
your medications or equipment on your own.

Avoid trying anything new on your trip, if possible.
Tempted to try a sleeping pill for the flight or a different motion
sickness medication? Experts warn not to try anything new on your trip
if you aren’t sure how you’ll react to it.

As always, steer clear of illegal drugs or black market medications.
Many countries have unforgiving penalties for people caught for
drug-related offenses. Your government’s representatives can help you
find a lawyer, but they can’t help you avoid the consequences.

Beware of side effects. Some medications you need to
use on holidays can have side effects such as increasing your chances
of getting sunburn. Some medications like anti-malarials can cause
blurry vision or nausea too. Be sure to take the appropriate precautions
if you’re feeling “off” — such as not driving and staying safe in the
sun.

Be careful what you bring home. If you purchase
medications or supplements on your trip, make sure they’re legal to
bring home. Just because it’s readily available and legal in one country
doesn’t mean it’s okay here. (Like khat — a leafy recreational drug
that’s legal in the U.K. but not in Canada.)

Know whom to call if you need to replace your medications.
You should be able to call your travel insurance provider for help — he
or she can then contact the right people on your behalf and advise you
what to do next. Otherwise, call your embassy for help navigating the
local health system.

One final word of advice: expect strict rules. No
matter what your age or abilities, experts warn not to count on
exceptions. (Security officials aren’t known for their leniency, after
all.) At best, your medications could be confiscated — at worst, you
could be detained.

Most of the time, you shouldn’t have a problem travelling with
prescriptions, supplements or over-the-counter medications. Keep in mind
that the rules and advice depend on your destination, so it pays to
“know before you go” to avoid any trouble. Remember to do your research,
pack smart and be prepared for scrutiny.